REGINA – Regina city council has taken another step to allow construction of 20 new above-garage apartments in the city.
Known as laneway suites, the units would be built on new properties in Harbour Landing.
The suites – which include a bedroom, living area, kitchen and bathroom – are detached from a house and actually sit above a traditional garage. Their primary access is from the alley way as opposed to the front of a property.
“For those who want to use a property to rent, it’s a different concept of housing,” said Mayor Michael Fougere ahead of Monday’s council meeting. “They’re cheaper to rent, cheaper to have. It’s an alternative.”
Concerns were raised about congestion nearby the proposed project for McCaughey Street and James Hill Road.
At a cost of roughly $1,000 per month, the developer, Homes by Devereaux, says laneway suites could help solve the crisis surrounding affordable rental housing.
“We believe in the model and how it will help people get into affordable housing and at the same time, alleviate that crunch,” said Jamie McDougald, Homes by Deveraux chief operating officer.
There are already 11 laneway suites under construction in the Greens on Gardiner neighbourhood.
Third and final reading of the bylaw required to approve the suites will be held at the next city council meeting.
With files from Global’s Kyla Brossart
Comments